Zoloft, ativan, and pregnancy!!!

Dear Moms-to-be, (I REALLY APOLOGIZE FOR THE LENGTH BUT I WANT YOU TO HAVE THE COMPLETE STORY ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE IN HOPE THAT IT MAY HELP YOU WITH YOUR DECISIONS!) This is taking some courage on my part as I really haven't shared this story before (and excuse any typos :).

Hello, I am a 34 year old (8 weeks pregnant) who thought that my experience with psychiatric medications might be helpful to those struggling with anxiety and depression in their lives and who are now pregnant or trying to conceive.

This shouldn't serve as advice and consultation from a doctor but I thought that hearing my experience might be helpful to any of you who struggle with these issues. I will give you my thoughts and knowledge about the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy. I have really learned a lot along the way.

I am a professional, working woman- who loves life, has an active social life, has a good marriage, a nice family, etc. All in all, a stable, happy person who is grateful for the many good things around me.

I happen to struggle from bouts of major depression and anxiety which seem very hereditary. There are several women in every generation above me that have struggled- some more severe than others (i.e. post-partum depression suicide, hospitalizations, etc).

Fortunately, my few episodes (I would say a total of about 5 or 6 ones that were severe enough to cause me to consider not working, when I lost a lot of weight, etc) were well-treated with medicine and therapy.

I was very reisistant to medication at first. When I had my first bout of severe anxiety and depression, I was 21 years old, a graduate student, very much holistic in my beliefs. It started with severe panic attacks which eventually grew into a debilating depression. Along with the obvious (therapy), I tried all sorts of natural remedies that first time- St. Johns Wort, Kava, meditation (which I still use), various teas, nutritional consults. Eventually, I had to quit school and live with my parents who helped me back on my feet and with time, the depression and anxiety decreased and I was able to go back to graduate school.

Unfortunately, a year later, the depression and severe panic attacks returned with a venegance. This time, my boyfriend (now husband) strongly suggested that I take medicine. Again, I was resistant. But, I saw how devestating the effects were and how long it took to recover the last time so I went to a local family doctor and was given Zoloft.

At first the Zoloft made me feel very, very sick because the dose was just too high for me. In general, I think that it is better to start these medications at the very lowest dose possible to minimize adverse side effects. But, I fought through it with the hope that it might help me.

I was also given Ativan to help sleep and a low dose to help reduce the anxiety in the morning until the Zoloft really kicked in.

In about six weeks, I felt like a new person. I was one of the lucky people who respond to SSRIs (Serotonin antidepressants). Zoloft and related medications (Prozac, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, and Celexa) can be great for not only depression but very effective for anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, some people don't respond to them and have better luck with medicines like Wellbutrin, etc.

To me, it was a miracle. I couldn't believe what a difference it made. I actually felt back to my normal self.

Fast forward 12 years and several more episodes. The episodes of depression and anxiety would come when I was NOT on the medicine. I tried to take long breaks of not being on the medication. Unfortunately, they usually ended with some sort of depressive episode triggered by anxiety/panic attacks.

When trying to conceive the first time, I was not taking these medications. After a few months of trying, I got pregnant and was so happy. I thought that I would be able to do the pregnancy without any medication- natural and safe, Unfortunately, around week 4 or 5 when the pregnancy hormones started to kick in, I started to suffer from deep, dark depressive moments and would become very tearful and anxious. I would spend hours crying and was unable to work. The nausea made it worse and I had absolutely no appetite at all. I become despondent and hopeless. I reached out to my psychiatrist who wanted to place me on all my regular medications but I was resistant. I was almost become hysterical at times- caught in a trap. Not knowing what to do, where to turn. Everything on the internet said only take psychiatric medications if necessary. I thought- Was this necessary? I am strong person, could I fight through this? Maybe this was temporary. I was miserable. I took a medical leave from work for a week. I didin't know what to do with myself and isolated myself from my friends and family. I did continue with weekly therapy but would leave each session feeling very lost despite having a very good therapist.

It seemed that every other pregnant woman I knew was just fine and able to do things without medicine, etc. Why was I different? I felt so guilty and defective.

A week later, I had a miscarriage. It was heartbreaking and I was filled with a grief and lonliness that only other women who miscarry can understand. I had a the DandC performed and spent a little time in bed recoupering. It was devestating.

Then ,something interesting happened. It was amazing- as soon- as the pregnancy hormones started to drop, I felt back to my normal self. Yes, I was grieving and very, very sad but I did not feel unstable. It was as if a switch had been turned off leading me to believe that I had experienced a very biological depressive and anxious state triggered by the large amounts of surging hormones.

I do believe that women who are suffer from depression normally are probably hyper responsive to the pregnancy hormones that surge through out bodies increasing our levels of anxiety and depression. There is research to support that women with a history of depression are much more likely to suffer from pre-partum and post-partum depression and that we need to be vigilant.

I took the summer off from medicines and trying to conceive and thinking about everything. I had a glorious summer filled with camping, hiking, visiting family, getting back to work.

In October, we started to try again. I was nervous about the depression/anxiety part. but had pretty much decided that I would have to listen to the psychiatrist (who specializes in women's mental health) if I got pregnant. I just couldn't experience that craziness again.

I got pregnant in December and found out New Years Eve. I started to feel depressed and anxious (a combination of the hormones and reexperiencing the trauma from last year). This time I was less resistant and my husband was very supportive of the doctor's decision to keep me stable and comfortable.

I started back on the Zoloft- which is Pregnancy Category C. ...[Message truncated]

Dear Moms-to-be, (I REALLY APOLOGIZE FOR THE LENGTH BUT I WANT YOU TO HAVE THE COMPLETE STORY ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE IN HOPE THAT IT MAY HELP YOU WITH YOUR DECISIONS!) This is taking some courage on my part as I really haven't shared this story before (and excuse any typos :).

Hello, I am a 34 year old (8 weeks pregnant) who thought that my experience with psychiatric medications might be helpful to those struggling with anxiety and depression in their lives and who are now pregnant or trying to conceive.

This shouldn't serve as advice and consultation from a doctor but I thought that hearing my experience might be helpful to any of you who struggle with these issues. I will give you my thoughts and knowledge about the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy. I have really learned a lot along the way.

I am a professional, working woman- who loves life, has an active social life, has a good marriage, a nice family, etc. All in all, a stable, happy person who is grateful for the many good things around me.

I happen to struggle from bouts of major depression and anxiety which seem very hereditary. There are several women in every generation above me that have struggled- some more severe than others (i.e. post-partum depression suicide, hospitalizations, etc).

Fortunately, my few episodes (I would say a total of about 5 or 6 ones that were severe enough to cause me to consider not working, when I lost a lot of weight, etc) were well-treated with medicine and therapy.

I was very reisistant to medication at first. When I had my first bout of severe anxiety and depression, I was 21 years old, a graduate student, very much holistic in my beliefs. It started with severe panic attacks which eventually grew into a debilating depression. Along with the obvious (therapy), I tried all sorts of natural remedies that first time- St. Johns Wort, Kava, meditation (which I still use), various teas, nutritional consults. Eventually, I had to quit school and live with my parents who helped me back on my feet and with time, the depression and anxiety decreased and I was able to go back to graduate school.

Unfortunately, a year later, the depression and severe panic attacks returned with a venegance. This time, my boyfriend (now husband) strongly suggested that I take medicine. Again, I was resistant. But, I saw how devestating the effects were and how long it took to recover the last time so I went to a local family doctor and was given Zoloft.

At first the Zoloft made me feel very, very sick because the dose was just too high for me. In general, I think that it is better to start these medications at the very lowest dose possible to minimize adverse side effects. But, I fought through it with the hope that it might help me.

I was also given Ativan to help sleep and a low dose to help reduce the anxiety in the morning until the Zoloft really kicked in.

In about six weeks, I felt like a new person. I was one of the lucky people who respond to SSRIs (Serotonin antidepressants). Zoloft and related medications (Prozac, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, and Celexa) can be great for not only depression but very effective for anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, some people don't respond to them and have better luck with medicines like Wellbutrin, etc.

To me, it was a miracle. I couldn't believe what a difference it made. I actually felt back to my normal self.

Fast forward 12 years and several more episodes. The episodes of depression and anxiety would come when I was NOT on the medicine. I tried to take long breaks of not being on the medication. Unfortunately, they usually ended with some sort of depressive episode triggered by anxiety/panic attacks.

When trying to conceive the first time, I was not taking these medications. After a few months of trying, I got pregnant and was so happy. I thought that I would be able to do the pregnancy without any medication- natural and safe, Unfortunately, around week 4 or 5 when the pregnancy hormones started to kick in, I started to suffer from deep, dark depressive moments and would become very tearful and anxious. I would spend hours crying and was unable to work. The nausea made it worse and I had absolutely no appetite at all. I become despondent and hopeless. I reached out to my psychiatrist who wanted to place me on all my regular medications but I was resistant. I was almost become hysterical at times- caught in a trap. Not knowing what to do, where to turn. Everything on the internet said only take psychiatric medications if necessary. I thought- Was this necessary? I am strong person, could I fight through this? Maybe this was temporary. I was miserable. I took a medical leave from work for a week. I didin't know what to do with myself and isolated myself from my friends and family. I did continue with weekly therapy but would leave each session feeling very lost despite having a very good therapist.

It seemed that every other pregnant woman I knew was just fine and able to do things without medicine, etc. Why was I different? I felt so guilty and defective.

A week later, I had a miscarriage. It was heartbreaking and I was filled with a grief and lonliness that only other women who miscarry can understand. I had a the DandC performed and spent a little time in bed recoupering. It was devestating.

Then ,something interesting happened. It was amazing- as soon- as the pregnancy hormones started to drop, I felt back to my normal self. Yes, I was grieving and very, very sad but I did not feel unstable. It was as if a switch had been turned off leading me to believe that I had experienced a very biological depressive and anxious state triggered by the large amounts of surging hormones.

I do believe that women who are suffer from depression normally are probably hyper responsive to the pregnancy hormones that surge through out bodies increasing our levels of anxiety and depression. There is research to support that women with a history of depression are much more likely to suffer from pre-partum and post-partum depression and that we need to be vigilant.

I took the summer off from medicines and trying to conceive and thinking about everything. I had a glorious summer filled with camping, hiking, visiting family, getting back to work.

In October, we started to try again. I was nervous about the depression/anxiety part. but had pretty much decided that I would have to listen to the psychiatrist (who specializes in women's mental health) if I got pregnant. I just couldn't experience that craziness again.

I got pregnant in December and found out New Years Eve. I started to feel depressed and anxious (a combination of the hormones and reexperiencing the trauma from last year). This time I was less resistant and my husband was very supportive of the doctor's decision to keep me stable and comfortable.

I started back on the Zoloft- which is Pregnancy Category C. ...[Message truncated]

I didn't see the end of your message because it was truncated. What happened after you were trying to conceive the second time.

I have been looking for someone who has been going through pregnancy/ativan/anxiety for about a year.

I was also successfully on ativan for about 6 years. I had a good career in management. Then my husband and I decided that we wanted to try to have a child. I made the difficult decision to start the reduction of my medication. Because my symptoms started to return, I left my job (without telling them the real reason for quitting). I didn't want to risk the stigma. I left on good terms, but of course I am not qualified for unemployment insurance or disability.

I have been in a few anxiety groups over the year, and have been in therapy and have tried to remain positive. I have not met anyone (or talked) to anyone in my situation.

My hope is that we could share notes on our experience.

I REALLY appreciate your post!

Hi Wishingluck.

I didn't see the end of your message because it was truncated. What happened after you were trying to conceive the second time.

I have been looking for someone who has been going through pregnancy/ativan/anxiety for about a year.

I was also successfully on ativan for about 6 years. I had a good career in management. Then my husband and I decided that we wanted to try to have a child. I made the difficult decision to start the reduction of my medication. Because my symptoms started to return, I left my job (without telling them the real reason for quitting). I didn't want to risk the stigma. I left on good terms, but of course I am not qualified for unemployment insurance or disability.

I have been in a few anxiety groups over the year, and have been in therapy and have tried to remain positive. I have not met anyone (or talked) to anyone in my situation.

I'm just wondering if you ladies ever see the law commercials about mothers suing because the antidepressants gave the child birth defects? when I saw this, I went cold turkey and have been better than ever. I will be eighteen soon and I was on several different antidepressants since 14 over depression, anxiety, ect. although my heart still palpitates, its not as bad and also I was really bad about twitching (they gave me two types of antidepressants to counteract side effects) but now I'm better than ever with no twitching anymore! anyway, I just wanted to be sure you ladies knew it could cause problems to take it during pregnancy and wish you all the best.

I'm just wondering if you ladies ever see the law commercials about mothers suing because the antidepressants gave the child birth defects? when I saw this, I went cold turkey and have been better than ever. I will be eighteen soon and I was on several different antidepressants since 14 over depression, anxiety, ect. although my heart still palpitates, its not as bad and also I was really bad about twitching (they gave me two types of antidepressants to counteract side effects) but now I'm better than ever with no twitching anymore! anyway, I just wanted to be sure you ladies knew it could cause problems to take it during pregnancy and wish you all the best.

ive been on celexa and xanax for severe panic disorder/anxiety/depression for a few years now. i had tried zoloft.. prozac... lexapro... to name a few and only celexa helped. i was prescribed xanax to take 1.5mg every 4 hours. i drew the line there and said no way! ill take it as needed. when i became pregnant... i considered going off my meds... but the baby daddy left me.... i couldnt work or go to school anymore and with the pregnancy symptoms... i just couldnt handle it. my dr (both my psychologist and OB) decided i should stay on my meds and that the risk of anything bad taken place was minimal. in fact, the only reason why anti depressants are considered semi dangerous is because there has been no study done on humans to determine the side effects of taking the meds whole pregnant. but anyway... once i hit my third trimester, my OB switched me to wellbutrin because he said he has had very good experiences with great outcomes with women who took wellbutrin in the third trimester. so thats what i take now... and it works.. but i will definitely switch back to celexa after the baby is born. and i will not breastfeed. i hope to hear many successful posts on here from other ladies! so far... so good for me! :) only have 6 weeks to go!!

ive been on celexa and xanax for severe panic disorder/anxiety/depression for a few years now. i had tried zoloft.. prozac... lexapro... to name a few and only celexa helped. i was prescribed xanax to take 1.5mg every 4 hours. i drew the line there and said no way! ill take it as needed. when i became pregnant... i considered going off my meds... but the baby daddy left me.... i couldnt work or go to school anymore and with the pregnancy symptoms... i just couldnt handle it. my dr (both my psychologist and OB) decided i should stay on my meds and that the risk of anything bad taken place was minimal. in fact, the only reason why anti depressants are considered semi dangerous is because there has been no study done on humans to determine the side effects of taking the meds whole pregnant. but anyway... once i hit my third trimester, my OB switched me to wellbutrin because he said he has had very good experiences with great outcomes with women who took wellbutrin in the third trimester. so thats what i take now... and it works.. but i will definitely switch back to celexa after the baby is born. and i will not breastfeed. i hope to hear many successful posts on here from other ladies! so far... so good for me! :) only have 6 weeks to go!!

thanks for the response. I did some research last night and read if there was any risk on zoloft, it would appear to be in the the 3rd trimester. Im going speak to my dr about switching then. Thanks again and best of luck to you!

thanks for the response. I did some research last night and read if there was any risk on zoloft, it would appear to be in the the 3rd trimester. Im going speak to my dr about switching then. Thanks again and best of luck to you!

I have seen a specialist about this (zoloft) who said - lowest maintenance dose possible in the first trimester, normal dose after that, ween off slowly just before due so that the baby doesn't have withdrawals. Then it's fine in breastfeeding.

I have seen a specialist about this (zoloft) who said - lowest maintenance dose possible in the first trimester, normal dose after that, ween off slowly just before due so that the baby doesn't have withdrawals. Then it's fine in breastfeeding.

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